What Every Parent Needs to Know About Tooth Eruptions
Teething isn’t fun, but with help from Greeley Kids Dental, you and your child will make it through.
- Keep them comfortable
- Understand the process
- Know the signs
Dreading Teething?
If you’re the parent of a new baby, especially your first, you’ve got a long list of what you’re worried about. But there might be one thing topping that list--teething.
No sleep, crying, swollen gums, drooling, even raised temperatures. What do you do? And more importantly, how can you help your little one who is obviously in pain? While teething isn’t a cake walk, there are tips and tricks to helping your child find relief.
Tooth Eruptions, Explained
Before you can help them feel better, it helps to understand what is going on.
Twenty Baby Teeth
Your baby was most likely born with 20 teeth below their gums. These are their primary teeth, or baby teeth. They’ll last until your child is around 13 years old.
Gradual Process
Your baby’s first teeth will usually emerge when they’re 4-6 months old, and it will take about 2.5 years for all 20 teeth to erupt. The timing is different for every child.
A Week At A Time
Each tooth takes a few days or up to a week to erupt. You may see signs before the tooth breaks through, and they often erupt in pairs--one on the right and left.
“The staff is amazing; they have so much patience. I love how the Dr. makes my toddler feel safe and they don’t make you feel like a horrible parent for a cavity. Also they gave my daughter a gift card for her birthday. So thoughtful!”
Adri
What to do When Your Baby Starts Teething
If your baby seems more fussy than usual, isn’t sleeping well, or has really turned up the drool factor, don’t panic. Figuring out what gives your child the most relief may take some trial and error, but you can figure it out together.
Some ways to help relieve tooth eruption pain include:
Exam
First we’ll do a thorough exam, including x-rays, to make sure that extraction is the best treatment.
Gentle Massage
Rub the swollen gum with a clean finger or washcloth
Cold Pressure
Use a chilled spoon or washcloth to lightly press on the sore spot
Let Them Chew
Offer a teething toy made of firm rubber (watch them carefully!)
Cold Food
Depending on age, offer chilled food like mashed bananas, applesauce, or watermelon
Medication
You can consider using infant acetaminophen. Call us if you’re not sure about dosing. (Be aware, though, that the FDA recommends that you avoid any kind of topical gel or teething tablet)
Patience
It’s not easy for your baby (or you!) when they’re in pain. Offer a big dose of extra love, snuggles, and the confidence the pain will subside
If you ever have questions or worries, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re always here to help.
My Baby Has Teeth! Now What?
Welcome to the adventure of oral health!
Keep Them Clean
As soon as those first teeth appear, it’s time to keep them clean. Use a washcloth or infant toothbrush to wipe those chompers off. (Watch out! They bite!)
Build A Routine
Make cleaning their teeth twice a day part of their regular routine. This will help establish health habits that they’ll continue their entire lives.
Come See Us
The American Dental Association recommends that you take your baby to the dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of getting their first tooth.
“Greeley Kids Dental is the most amazing dentist office. The staff is very professional and caring. They spent their time cleaning my youngest son's teeth very gently, while walking my baby through everything so they were comfortable. The Dentist is absolutely over the top and definitely loves what she does. She answered any questions or concerns I had in a very professional manner. 10 ⭐️'s hands down!”
Sara M
